LIVERPOOL skipper Steven Gerrard believes poor refereeing decisions cost England victory against Montenegro last night; German official Manuel Grafe shocked Wembley by failing to award two second half penalties in the 0-0 draw.

And Gerrard said: “You have got to give credit to Montenegro as they defended really well. “The manager asked for a little bit more speed and tempo in the second half and keep pushing.

“We tried a few long balls in a bid to find the breakthrough but the goal never came; we had the penalty incidents and the keeper made a good save but I felt we were unlucky.

“I saw the first one very clearly and the referee was really close to it, so I was surprised he didn't give it. We are disappointed but we will move on again.”

Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has dismissed Alan Hansen’s claim that he should abandon the England cause.

Ferdinand is desperate to put a two-year injury nightmare behind him, but there are some who believe the 31-year-old would be better served concentrating on his club career with Manchester United rather than putting his body on the line for England.

Hansen is part of that group, but his opinion has been rejected out of hand.

“You can’t retire from England. I can’t,” said Ferdinand. “I respect other people’s decisions but I love playing for England.

“To stop doing it would take a big chunk out of my footballing life.

“Unless I am physically incapable of doing it, it is something I would not consider.”